The Fantom implored shampoo, water and a razor to please get his head presentable.

A gray day lay ahead.

Tinged with scarlet.

Streaked with maize and blue.

Dabbed with green and white.

Snarled at by Nittany Lions.

Michigan vs. Ohio State.

Michigan State vs. Penn State.

Preparing for this college game day to consume morning, noon and night, the Fantom pulled on his MSU parka.

Coffee, coffee, coffee.

An East Lansing native who grew up three blocks off MSU's campus, the Fantom descended into the depths of his basement recreation room.

It wasn't the dank catacombs beneath the Paris Opera House, but it would do.

Dumbbells, a treadmill, stationary bicycle and exercise ball awaited the Fantom.
All faced the television that the Fantom had brought when his daughter -- now grown and married -- was braving the pitfalls of sixth grade at St. Michael's Elementary School.

If it ain't broke, the Fantom thought, don't chuck it.

The sequester began.

As U-M kicked a field goal to jump ahead of the Buckeyes, 3-0, the Fantom pedaled.

He jogged.

He lifted weights.

He did sit-ups as Ohio State rammed tailback Chris "Beanie" Wells down the Wolverines' throat.

That morning in The Detroit News, Michigan's star running back Mike Hart, whose teams had never bested their arch-rival Buckeyes, explained why he returned for his senior year.

The little brother never at a loss for words said, "You can't leave Michigan without beating Ohio State."

Yes you can.

Ohio State 14, Michigan 3.

The day would be one on which the ABC network repeated one promotion so often that some viewers felt as though they'd already seen the next evening's telecast of the American Music Awards.

The Spartans of MSU went into the Penn State game having no seniors who had ever done at least two things.

They had never beaten hated Michigan.

They had never played in a post-season bowl game.

With six wins and six losses, MSU was technically eligible, but far from a certainty, to extend its season.

A home victory over Joe Paterno's team would lock it.

Down 24-7 in the third quarter, the Spartans of first-year coach Mark Dantonio outscored the Nittany Lions 28-7 the rest of the way.

With four minutes to go, a 1-yard run by Mr. Touchdown -- 255-pound running back Jehuu Caulcrick -- sealed the deal.

Michigan State 35, Penn State 31.

Shortly after 7 p.m., MSU's record stood at 7-5

Breathing easier, the Fantom emerged from his lair.

Completing a hat trick set up by Michigan and Penn State , night had fallen, and the Fantom along with it.